Nov. 17, 2010

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Senior Megan Shoniker netted a team-high 14 points as the Rhode Island women's basketball team (1-1) fell to in-state rival Providence, 71-40, Wednesday night at PC's Alumni Hall.

Junior Lara Gaspar chipped in with eight points and a team-leading eight rebounds while Ashley Rivera recorded nine points and three assists.

The Friars (2-1) missed their first six shots but came back and took a 6-2 lead after a jumper by Teya Wright with 15:23 on the clock. A fast-break basket by Gaspar capped a 7-2 Rhody push that put the Rams back in front, 9-8, but five straight points by Symone Roberts gave Providence a 13-9 advantage with 11:48 remaining in the half. The Friars held on to the lead throughout the rest of the half and headed into the break up 30-20.

PC opened the second frame with a 25-4 run to take a 31-point lead with 11:32 left in the game. Rhody was able to cut it to 56-34 - after a layup by Gaspar - but that was as close as the Rams would get as Providence held on for the 71-40 win.

As a team, Providence out-rebounded URI, 57-31, and committed 11 turnovers to Rhode Island's 22.

The Rams return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to NJIT for a 2 p.m. game against the Highlanders.